CALICO continuously strives to keep abreast of child abuse trends. In doing so, we work with dozens of partners to effectively serve the growing number of children in Alameda County whose abuse has not historically been recognized or addressed:

The Sexually Exploited Minors (SEM) Network is a collaborative of public and private agencies concerned with the rising rates of young women and men being commercially and sexually exploited. The Network recognizes sexually exploited minors as victims of abuse not criminals, and works to respond to them as such. The mission of the SEM Network is to provide specialized services and advocacy to sexually exploited minors. We provide ongoing education and awareness to support adolescent victims of sexual exploitation through policy development, collaborative case planning efforts, viable placement options, prevention of further victimization and highlight best practices/lessons learned. For more information, contact the Alameda County Inter-Agency Policy Council at (510) 618-3457.

The health of children living in homes where drugs are used, manufactured and sold is significantly at risk. When methamphetamine laboratories are present, children are exposed to chemical fires, explosions, and toxins, causing complications ranging from eye and lung irritation to death. Children can also inadvertently ingest airborne substances that settle on home surfaces. Research shows that at least 15% of children in these homes test positive for drugs. In addition drug-endangered children (DEC) are significantly more likely to be sexually or physically abused or neglected; a substantial percentage experience developmental delays.

The Alameda County DEC Coordinating Council consists of representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, social services, CALICO, and the medical community. The Council meets quarterly to review the implementation and effectiveness of an inter-agency protocol guiding our collaborative response to DECs, evaluate training needs, and determine future needs. For more information, contact Lt. James Hodges, Alameda County Sheriff's Office at (510) 268-2302.

Studies show a clear link between domestic violence and child abuse. Child abuse is 15 times more likely in families where domestic violence is present. Annually between 3.3-10 million children in the US witness domestic violence, and recent exposure to domestic violence is a significant factor in predicting a child's violent behavior. Research shows that the adverse affects of witnessing domestic violence is higher for toddlers than for other age groups.

In 2006, CALICO convened a committee, comprised of representative from law enforcement, Department of Children and Family Services, domestic violence service providers, mental health professionals and other experts in child abuse and domestic violence, to develop a county-wide, multi-disciplinary protocol for responding effectively to incidents of domestic violence in homes in which a child resides. We hope to finalize the protocol and adopt it county-wide in 2007. For more information, contact Karen Meredith, CALICO at (510) 895-0702